Newark (New Jersey), Aug 17: The only US citizen arrested in a suspected arms smuggling plot is eligible for release on USD 10 million bail, a judge has ruled. Yehuda Abraham, 76, a Manhattan diamond dealer, will remain in federal custody until court officials interview at least 10 friends and relatives who are willing to post his bond, the ruling said yesterday
Abraham faces money laundering charges related to the alleged smuggling plot and federal prosecutors wanted him held without bail.
He was among three men arrested Tuesday after an international sting operation. The accusations center on Hemant Lakhani, a 68-year-old Briton charged with trying to sell shoulder-fired missiles to an undercover agent posing as a Muslim terrorist bent on shooting down an airliner.
The third suspect, Moinuddeen Ahmed Hameed, 38, is charged with money laundering and conspiracy. He is an Indian citizen who prosecutors say had been living in Malaysia.
Prosecutors charge that Abraham accepted a USD 30,000 down payment to be transmitted overseas in exchange for a commission.
If released on bail, Abraham must remain under house arrest under the conditions imposed by US district judge Joel Pisano.
None of the defendants has entered a plea. Hameed`s lawyer, Cathy Fleming, has said her client maintained his innocence. Lakhani`s lawyer, Donald J. Mccauley, has declined to comment. Abraham`s lawyer, Larry Krantz, said his client hopes to be vindicated.
Bureau Report